Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

After reading the story of this producer, I inspired to try it. Especially, at $59.99 for a quality Napa Cabernet. These two brother’s are true pioneers of the Napa Valley. They do their own thing. Don’t follow trends and are not aggressive with their bottle price, nor do they really wish to. More rare than common in today’s Napa Cabernet market. I have a lot of respect for that and Napa Pioneers.

This also drinks pretty well for a young Napa Cabernet. I was expecting bigger/bolder based on write up. Not that this won’t benefit from cellaring.

The fruits are nicely ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries & blueberry hues. I was expecting more teeth. Think it is showing the finesse & balance of most 21’s I’ve had. Dark spice, grilled meats, light black pepper, barrel dust, dry tobacco, leather, savory herbaceousnes, moist clays, dry crushed rocks, cola, flower bouquet of red, blue & purple fresh flowers, rainfall acidity with a well balanced, softly structured, elegant finish that lasts just over a minute and lands crushed rocks and touch of spice.

It will be interesting to see if this shows more in 5 years.

Photos of; Smith Madrone vineyards and brothers Stuart and Charles Smith — 4 months ago

Jon Hoke

9.5

WOW really good — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

A Burgundian-styled Cab Sauv from the one of the most compelling Sub AVA of Napa mountains (Mayacamas) which has an amazing soil and solid influence from the Pacific. Crafted with an amazing balance of 68% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 5% and the rest to round it off its structure and age ability. The 2011 is still climbing to its peak. Enticing notes of dry red fruits on the nose and mouth, delicate, outstandingly silky and nearly perfect balance!
The finish shows its beauty. (if you find it, it won’t disappoint you) it will give the run for the money. — 7 months ago

Paul K

9.4

79% Merlot and 21% cab. This wine is amazing and ready now but I’m sure time will only enhance. The 2016 is more tight/tannic than this and not ready yet. This is prettier, but still powerful. Loving this and gonna pick up more. — 10 months ago

Robert Rothfield

9.0

Needed a good couple of hours to open up...rustic but nice — 5 years ago

Michael Seely

9.0

Quite drinkable — 7 years ago

with Joe

Becky Cutright

9.6

This one is definitely for you son, — 8 years ago

Joseph Gauta

9.0

Rich, bold nose with black cherries all the way through. Love it — 9 years ago

Adam Jesberger

9.6

Happy birthday to Jenelle with love. Amazing wine, perfect pairing with a tender filet, a mushroom demi, horseradish potatoes and green beans. Pyrazine influenced, dark chocolate ripe cherries, Serrano chiles, pepper and ink. Light turned earth with amazing brown sugary oak. Long finish. Blissful wine! — 11 years ago

with Jenelle

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2022 vintage. Last year's vintage more than justified the pricing. This one, not so much. 06.11.25. — 4 months ago

Stuart Pollack

9.4

Powerful but elegant. Ready to drink now but leave it open at least one hour before consuming. Intense black fruit and coffee, smooth tannins in the finish. A steak wine. — 5 months ago

Michele La

9.6

Will definitely buy this bottle again. — 7 months ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

1/2025. A nice Washington Cab. Good flavor and nice on the palate. — 8 months ago

Christina Greever

9.5

Big jammy. Yum! — 9 months ago

Eric

9.2

Needs more time in the bottle or maybe 24 hour decant. Very linear. Great blend. Enjoyed! — 3 years ago

Kirt Boxell

9.5

I love the balance and intensity of this Chardonnay — 6 years ago

Pete Turley

9.6

I love these Turley Zins from Howell Mountain...Lots of Black Pepper and jammy goodness... Must let this one breathe but opens up nicely. — 8 years ago

Mike Davila

9.2

Better than I hoped for, would have been fun to taste blind. Drinking great, but ready to drink. — 9 years ago

Robert Rothfield

9.5

Favorite Howell Mtn cab — 10 years ago

Michael Retter

9.7

Great fruit. Soft tannins. Really well balanced. Great bottle of wine. — 12 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2022 vintage. Good, not great. The 2021 with more intensity/grip and life. 06.11.25. — 4 months ago

Sarah Blaker

10

Juicy and delicious — 5 months ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.5

Waaaayyy too young… — 6 months ago

Anne Holmes

9.6

Bday dinner — 9 months ago

with Thomas

Matt Konopka

9.1

Our favorite Napa Cab- big, elegant. Lots of jammy fruit. Cedar & tobacco in nose. Merry Christmas! — 9 months ago

Matt Sterr

9.3

Blackberry, Cherry, mountain wildflowers. Diamond Mtn fruit. — 4 years ago

Larry Damore

8.9

Good but not worth the price — 6 years ago

Cody Short

9.2

Holding up great. — 8 years ago

Evan Brody

9.4

Really nice wine. Can't wait to see how it changes over next few hours. — 9 years ago

Mike Kovacs

9.2

2012 vintage — 10 years ago